August 4, 2025 | Greater Belize Media

Belize Launches NDC 3.0, Marking Major Step in Climate Action

Belize has officially launched its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) plan, known as NDC 3.0.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Climate Change Orlando Habet said that Belize is moving beyond planning into concrete action. “We are moving beyond commitments on paper. We are operationalising them,” he said. The new NDC lays out a comprehensive roadmap to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future, reaffirming Belize’s role as a regional leader in climate ambition.

Key goals under NDC 3.0 include increasing greenhouse gas removals in the agriculture, forestry, and land use sectors by 63 percent and achieving 75 percent renewable energy in electricity generation by 2030. The plan also includes building resilience across critical sectors such as land use, agriculture, energy, waste, and coastal adaptation.

NDC 3.0 places a strong focus on stakeholder engagement, with detailed implementation strategies, financial planning, and monitoring systems.

Gaza Hostage Talks Stall as Israel Eyes Military Escalation

Efforts to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza have stalled, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushing for a military solution and Hamas demanding urgent humanitarian aid before resuming talks, according to CNN.

An Israeli official said Netanyahu seeks to free hostages by defeating Hamas while allowing limited aid into non-combat zones. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar confirmed plans to expand operations after recent negotiations failed.

Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff told hostage families the goal should be to end the war and release all 50 hostages at once. “All or nothing,” he reportedly said, warning of consequences if hostages die.

CNN reports that public pressure is mounting. Families of hostages accused Netanyahu of deceiving the public and warned against more fighting. Hundreds of former Israeli security officials have urged an end to the war, arguing Hamas is no longer a strategic threat.

Hamas says it won’t return to talks until Gaza’s hunger crisis is addressed. The UN reports nearly 1,400 Palestinians killed seeking food, most by Israeli forces, and warns of a worsening humanitarian catastrophe.

New Belizean Banknotes Now in Circulation

Are the new ‘dalla’ bills in your hands yet? Belize’s new currency notes are now officially in circulation. Its release brings an end to months of anticipation and mixed reactions from the public.

While many Belizeans were excited to see the new notes, others were more critical, taking to social media to share their thoughts on the new design of the twos, fives, tens, twenties, fifties, and especially the new blue hundred-dollar bills.

“Base on the design when first revealed, I felt like we were gonna get the Pesos Quality….Nope Nope the quality is the exact same as first and I am truly happy for that,” a Belizean stated on social media.

“They are just making our currency more DURABLE, it’s a better material so if e get wash in the washing machine by mistake unu no have to heng it on the line fi long & wait mek e dry before unu go buy,” another online user added.

At the end of the day, “It’s still Belizean dollars, still buying rice and beans, and still paying rent (unfortunately),” another Belizean said.

Delroy Rhaburn, Assistant Manager of the Central Bank, explained that the campaign over the last month has been intense, trying to educate the public about the rollout of the new currency money.

“The currency is made of cotton substrates, so it’s the exact same material as the currency we have right now. I know there was a lot of speculation, where people felt like the notes would have been something more like the Mexican currency, which is polymer, a plastic-based material. Ours is still cotton, so it’s the same feel, the same size, and the same color scheme as the notes we have right now,” Rhaburn said.

He added, “This is not the first time that the Belize currency design is changing; it’s the first time in a long time. The last time we did a complete redesign was in 1990; it was a complete family of notes. The queen has been on our currency since she started reigning… Before that we had her father, who was the king, and before him we had the previous monarch… Whoever is appearing in the image does not impact the value at all.”

Belize Celebrates National Day at Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan

Belize celebrated National Day at Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan on Sunday by showcasing the nation’s rich cultural heritage and commitment to sustainable development. The celebration’s theme this year was “One Belize, One Purpose: Ecosystem for Life.”

“Belize is honoured to stand among the nations of the world at Expo 2025 Osaka,” said Prime Minister Briceño in his address. “This is more than a celebration of our identity; it is a declaration of our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and meaningful global collaboration.”

Cultural and creative performances representing Garifuna, Maya, Creole, and Mestizo traditions took the stage in Japan.

The cultural showcase featured an impressive lineup of Belizean performers who brought the country’s vibrant spirit to the stage. Joshua Arana led with Garifuna drumming, Emilio Thomas performed Garifuna music, and Ian Yacab played traditional Maya and Mestizo marimba. Alexander Evans showcased steel pan, Cocono Bwai brought bruk dong, and Ernestine Carballo delivered a high-energy Carnival set. The Belize Afro Dance Formation added dynamic choreography to complete the showcase.

“This is who we are: rich in culture, united in creativity, and proud to share Belize with the world,” the organisers said in a social media statement.

Babysitter Charged in 6-Year-Old’s Drowning

Fifty-six-year-old Jennifer Fitzgibbon has been charged in connection with the death of six-year-old King Shakel Wade, who drowned in a canal near Supal Street, Belize City, in October 2024. Fitzgibbon faces two charges: Abandonment of a child and Manslaughter by Negligence.

Wade fell into the canal around 3 p.m. while under Fitzgibbon’s supervision. He remained submerged for more than three hours before being recovered by residents and Coast Guard personnel. Efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

“I start holler for ah. We noh hear ah, so I come back here ya, and when she come back here, my lee grandson tell her, he say, King there in the kinnel,” Fitzgibbon told News 5 in October. “When I hear her bawl out, I see the two slippers in the canal, and that is when they start to search… I can’t even explain it. I am telling you. It hurts.”

Wade had reportedly been left outside while Fitzgibbon prepared to take another child home. His disappearance went unnoticed until his older sister arrived and began asking about him.

Fitzgibbon had been babysitting Wade for approximately five months.